That excerpt doesn't say why Dietzel went to the white jerseys. I haven't watched it in some time, but I think the 100th anniversary video says it was nothing more than giving LSU fans a chance to see the other schools' colors.
this whole nike pro-combat uni, or whatever they call it, that the guys will be wearing for the auburn game.... if it is any color other than our traditional white jersey/gold pants, i will shoot someone. to not have the traditional home conference colors is bad mojo.
Hmm very interesting learn something new everyday. Well at least Dinardo did something good while he was here. Frankly I like a little change from time to time. Since we wear white on the road as well. Just a change of pace from time to time. Was NOT a fan of the Nike Pro Combats though. looked like the Washington Huskies
I've always thought it gave us an advantage because whether we are at home or on the road, it's basically hit the guy with the color jersey or throw to the guy with the white jersey. They don't even have the opportunity to be confused and I'm guessing that cuts out some precious reaction time.
Jerry Stoval once said that Deitzel did it because he thought white made his players look bigger. It could be true. My mom painted small rooms white because she thought the same thing . . . and fat girls wear black a lot. :wink: I think purple and gold is just a bit too Mardi Gras gaudy. The white jerseys are a touch of class. And LSU is famous for them.
IIRC, the Tiger Rag article back in '95 (when Dinardo got the rule changed) said that Dietzel didn't like the look of the darker jerseys with the shoulder (or "UCLA") stripes, so he started having the team wear white. The Stovall quote may be correct as well--white jerseys and smaller numbers do make the players look bigger. When he went to his three squad concept in 58, the first team wore white jerseys in practice so they would get used to it--hence them being called the "White Team". GEAUX TIGERS
